Taken Cook Islands remains finally returned to rightful resting place

The Mangaian community in the Cook Islands have had the chance this year to celebrate the long awaited return of 142 individuals’ remains that were taken by Japanese researchers in the 1980s and 1990s.

Led by Archaeology Professor Kazumichi Katayama from Kyoto University, the researchers undertook excavations on the island, in an effort to study the Pacific’s migration history.

It’s understood the remains date back centuries, potentially as far back as the 19th century.

Fast forward to 2008, the precious remains were handed over to the University of Otago. For years, these remains — part of what would become known as the Tava’enga Collection — were housed within the university's Department of Anatomy.

The turning point came in 2020, as the University of Otago and the Mangaian community embarked on a journey of repatriation.

Cook Islands Medical Tauira Cam Young, played a pivotal role in the analysis and documentation of the remains.

"I was doing my undergraduate studies here at the University of Otago," Cam Young told Pacific Mornings, "when Professor Hallie Buckley approached me in 2020 about a collection of Cook Island remains.

"This sparked discussions with the community and a realisation of where these remains truly belonged."

Delegation from University of Otago and Mangaia Dunedin community, accompanying the kōivi tangata (human skeletal remains) back to Mangaia. (L-R) Cam Young, Mama No’o Ngatae, Papa Tami (Poe) Moeroa, Mama Keni Moeroa, Professor Hallie Buckley, Papa Timoti Timoti, Amanda Taia. Photo/Supplied

The repatriation project officially kicked off in 2022 when Numangatini Ariki (King of Mangaia) and members of the Mangaian community were invited to the University to bless the remains of their tūpuna (ancestors) at a private event in the Department of Anatomy.

Young said it was a huge task having to identify the 142 individuals’ remains: "My role was to meticulously examine and document these remains—a task that challenged me to reconcile my Cook Islands heritage with the scientific responsibilities I undertook."

After extensive analysis and preparation, the remains were placed into new containers, and flown back to their rightful resting place on February 8th 2024.

Anatomy Professor Hallie Buckley, Amanda Taia and Cam Young from the University of Otago and Otago Mangaian community leaders Mama Keni Moeroa, Papa Timoti Timoti, Papa Tami (Poe) Moeroa and Mama Nooroa Ngatae journeyed with the remains to Mangaia.

The repatriation ignited a spiritual and emotional pilgrimage to the small island.

A sacred ritual guided by community elders was held in Mangaia, with children’s voices filling the air with songs as the remains were reintegrated into the earth.

Community Spokesperson Mama Keni was an integral part of the repatriation team, and said it was an honour to be involved.

“We are so grateful for the support we have received for our tūpuna to be back to where they belong. This is a big thing to us. For me as a leader of the Mangaian community, this was a big event in my life.”